Italian riders Angelo Conti and Roberto Antonellini hope to make their debuts at this years Isle of Man TT Races in the Junior and Senior races, continuing the resurgence in interest from the European country. With riders like Stefano Bonetti, Umberto Rumiano, Giorgio Cantalupo and David Vieder having excelled in recent years, the addition of two more top Italian racers to the entry continues to give the event a truly International feel.

The two Italian riders have colourful CV’s in road racing and both have strong ambitions to race on the Mountain Course. Conti has ridden in the World Supersport Championship, achieving top ten results, is a former European Supersport Champion and has more recently been competing for the famous Rumi Honda concern in the Italian Supersport series. Fellow countryman Antonellini has ridden in the Italian national championships since the late 1980's and was a former front runner in the European 250cc Championship, a proven breeding ground for future Grand Prix stars.

Speaking about the addition of the two Italian riders TT Team and Rider Liaison Officer Paul Phillips commented:

"It's always difficult for foreign riders to come and learn the Mountain Course but in all the correspondence we've had with Angelo and Roberto it's clear that they are well versed in the TT Races and are relishing the opportunity to take part. They've both ridden at a very high level and are sure to give the TT 100% in both their commitment and professionalism. They've already begun preparing for the event and are definitely approaching it in the right manner so I'm sure they'll go on to become regular visitors to the Island."

David Cretney MHK, Minister for the Department of Tourism and Leisure added:

"The TT has always been an International event and it's great to see continued interest from our European friends, particularly of the calibre of Angelo and Roberto. Their pedigree speaks for itself and thanks to everyone involved for their sterling work in making it all happen. I wish them both the very best of luck when they compete at this years TT and I hope that they will return for many years to come, and continue to spread the word about the TT back home in Italy."